Fear of snakes is learned

[Catherine]

Humans are not naturally afraid of snakes. Children learn from the attitude of their parents.
Children learn to think of snakes as objects, not beings. They learn to think of them as different from other creatures.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-envir...udy-finds/

Since this is true, the fear of snakes can be unlearned. People can learn to respect snakes and other reptiles. 
People can be taught to actually like snakes.

Every year I take part in a street festival where we do a reptile show. Mostly we have snakes on display and we let people touch them and even hold them.
One little girl was so afraid of snakes, but she didn't want to be afraid. We talked about fears and overcoming them. She came back 8 times before she was ready to hold a snake. I even got a picture of her holding the snake. 
The fear of snakes can be unlearned.